n. [ F. pénitence, L. paenitentia. See Penitent, and cf. Penance. ] The quality or condition of being penitent; the disposition of a penitent; sorrow for sins or faults; repentance; contrition. “Penitence of his old guilt.” Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]
Death is deferred, and penitenance has room
To mitigate, if not reverse, the doom. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ F. pénitencier. ] A priest who heard confession and enjoined penance in extraordinary cases.